KPD will be out in force over Thanksgiving holiday weekend

Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief David Rausch today announced traffic enforcement plans for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The special enforcement effort will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 21, 2012, and conclude at Midnight on Sunday, November 25, 2012.

Chief Rausch said officers will focus on motorists who are speeding, following too closely, or who are driving recklessly. Motorists who decide to drive under the influence will be arrested and will go to jail.

Chief Rausch said, "Our officers have worked to reduce the number of vehicle crashes this year by aggressively focusing their efforts on speeding motorists. These efforts will continue throughout the extended holiday weekend."

During the 2011 Thanksgiving traffic enforcement effort, officers issued 1,267 traffic related citations. Officers also discovered 127 motorists who were driving on a suspended or revoked license or who had no license at all. Twelve (12) motorists were arrested for DUI.

Officers also investigated 96 vehicle crashes in 2011. Two fatal crashes were recorded during this time period.

In addition to saturation patrols that will be in place along the interstate system, officers will utilize directed patrols along the major arterial routes throughout the city. These routes will see a significant increase in traffic on Friday as the Christmas shopping season officially begins.

Chief Rausch said, "We urge all motorists to exercise extreme caution near major shopping centers. Be patient and watch out for pedestrians in shopping development parking lots."

"By slowing down and paying close attention to your surroundings, you greatly reduce your chances of being involved in an accident," Chief Rausch concluded.